Category Archives: City

Walnut Fire located east of Flagstaff fully contained

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FLAGSTAFF — The small Walnut Fire, located east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40, is fully contained at a quarter of an acre.

Three engines and two hand crews responded to suppress the fire, which was originally estimated at two acres, but determined to be a quarter-acre at the time of containment.

The interior portion of the fire may continue to produce minimal smoke and may remain visible from I-40 for a short period of time.

I-40 motorists are asked to remain cognizant of fire suppression efforts along the roadway as firefighters continue to monitor the fire.

The Walnut Fire was first reported the morning of April 10. Its cause is unknown.

Firewood permit sales begin April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin selling 2024 season firewood permits at its ranger stations and headquarters Monday, April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift for roads suitable for motorized travel.

The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.

Even though some forest roads across the Flagstaff Ranger District will be opening throughout next week, there are still some that will be closed due to wet and muddy conditions which can be the cause of people getting stuck and cause damage to the roads.

All forest roads in the Mogollon Rim area remain closed due to the amount of snow that is still present. Personnel are assessing conditions regularly and the status of forest roads can be checked on the Forest Roads Status web page.

Many lower elevation roads, such as those in desert areas of the Red Rock Ranger District, have been open for a while, as they are often ready for vehicle use several weeks before higher elevation roads are ready for use.

The public should remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the latest Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The are no changes from the 2023 to 2024 version, so either may be used.

The MVUM contains essential information about road, trail and area designations for drivers. It includes road allowances, restrictions, and prohibitions as they pertain to dispersed camping, campfires and off-highway vehicles.

Paper copies of the MVUM are available for free at all Coconino NF offices, and an Avenza version of the MVUM can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets and used offline.

Emergency Management Receives Federal Funds for Remote Operation Enhancements

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FLAGSTAFF — In March, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced $25,018,000 in federal investments they were able to secure for Arizona priorities that include support for Arizona small businesses, wildfire and flood prevention, a stronger microchip manufacturing workforce, increased access to life-saving cancer treatment, increased access to rural health care, and more.

“By expanding access to treatment and upgrading health care facilities in rural communities, preparing Arizonans for good-paying jobs through workforce training programs, and supporting emergency response services, these projects will improve quality of life in communities across our state. Senator Sinema and I will keep working together to secure resources for the people of Arizona,” said Kelly.

As part of these investments, Coconino County’s Emergency Management Department was awarded $637,000 to be used to acquire an additional remote incident command vehicle and enhance the communications systems between field operations and the Emergency Operations Center in Flagstaff.

“Through the leadership of Senators Kelly and Sinema, our Senators have once again delivered for Coconino County by securing $637,000 for Emergency Operations Center Enhancements, which will increase the emergency response capability and capacity for Coconino County,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor for District 2. “This funding is included in the final Homeland Security bill for FY24. We are tremendously thankful for their leadership in delivering critical and necessary resources to our communities to better strengthen public safety and build resilience across our County.”

AZGFD reopened Silver Creek Fish Hatchery property to public on April 3

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Show Low — Following a brief period of closure due to localized flooding, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced it will reopen the Silver Creek Fish Hatchery property to the public on Wednesday, April 3.

This is good news for anglers, as the catch-and-keep season for Silver Creek started on Monday, April 1.

Although the recent flooding has subsided, the aftermath of the flooding has left the area extremely muddy. Anglers are advised that fishing conditions may not be optimal due to high water flows and turbidity, and they are encouraged to exercise caution and be aware of the muddy terrain and their surroundings as further snowmelt could cause additional flooding over the next few days.

AZGFD appreciates the patience and understanding of the public during the brief closure period and looks forward to welcoming visitors back to the Silver Creek Fish Hatchery.

Limited-entry permit-tag draw applications due by 5 p.m. Today

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The deadline to submit applications for limited-entry permit-tag seasons is 5 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, April 9. To apply, visit www.limitedhuntentry.azgfd.com/.

This limited-entry permit-tag draw offers hunters a chance to draw an additional elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn permit-tag, while generating revenue to support wildlife conservation efforts across the state.

New in this limited-entry permit-tag draw: An opportunity to hunt antlered mule deer on the world-famous Kaibab Plateau. This single permit-tag is for Game Management Units 12A and 12B between Aug. 1 and Sept. 12. AZGFD also has added additional units in which to hunt elk, deer and pronghorn.

Applicants who are drawn for a permit-tag will be contacted by the department during the week of April 15, at which time payment will be required before the permit-tag can be mailed. It is the responsibility of each applicant to provide accurate contact information to avoid missing an opportunity to receive the permit-tag for which they were drawn.

Applicants must have a Customer ID to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard;” 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting https://customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Don’t have a Customer ID? Visit www.accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register to sign up for a free AZGFD portal account. For those applicants who believe they have a portal account but are unable to locate their Customer ID by using the Customer ID Retrieval Tool, call the department at 602-942-3000 to avoid creating a duplicate account.

These opportunities should not be confused with the annual draws that are conducted by the department in February, June and October. A limited-entry permit-tag application does not preclude an applicant from applying for any other hunts throughout the year or impact bonus points. Animals harvested during limited-entry permit-tag seasons are excluded from annual bag limits.

In addition:

  • This is discretionary. The objective is to generate revenue in order to maintain current operations, and limit or eliminate the need to increase license and hunt permit-tag fees.
  • The issuance of a specific number of limited-entry permit-tags will not adversely affect management objectives for a species or area. These hunts will not impact the number of permit-tags made available for the annual draws. The related harvest will have an insignificant impact on wildlife populations.
  • A valid Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license is not needed at the time of application; it is required if an applicant draws a limited-entry permit-tag.
    Applicants can select up to six limited-entry permit-tag hunts on one application. Multiple applications will not be accepted.
  • At the time of application, an applicant shall submit the required application fee ($13 for Arizona residents, $15 for nonresidents) for each selected hunt number.
    Each applicant must apply individually. Applicants cannot apply as a group, unlike the annual draws.
  • If an applicant enters inaccurate information during the application process, or attempts to enter the draw for a hunt more than once, all applications will be deemed invalid.
  • After an application has been saved, an applicant cannot begin a new one. An applicant may return to their application to make changes as long as the draw is open, however. When an application is completed and final payment is accepted, an applicant can no longer make changes or apply for additional hunts.

A total of six limited-entry permit-tags will be available for the following hunting opportunities:

  • Elk (any elk): Aug. 15, 2024-Oct. 15, 2024. Open areas: Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B.
  • Elk (any elk): Aug. 15, 2024-Oct. 15, 2024. Open areas: Units 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 15A, 15B, 16A, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, 20A.
  • Mule deer (antlered): Aug. 1, 2024-Sept. 12, 2024. Open areas: Units 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 28, 31, 32, 37A, 37B.
  • Mule deer (antlered): Aug. 1, 2024-Sept. 12, 2024. Open areas: Units 12A, 12B.
  • White-tailed deer (antlered): Aug. 1, 2024-Sept. 12, 2024. Open areas: Units 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, 29, 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A, 35B, 36A, 36B, 36C.
  • Pronghorn (buck): Aug. 1, 2024-Oct. 15, 2024. Open areas: Units 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 17A, 17B, 18A, 19A, 19B.

The elk, deer and pronghorn hunts are general season hunts. Legal methods of take: any firearm, pre-charged pneumatic weapon, crossbow, or bow and arrow as prescribed in R12-4-304.

More weather coming in for Easter

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WILLIAMS – The NOAA Weather service has issued a wind advisory, today, starting around 11 a.m. with temperature around 55-degrees. It should remain clear through Saturday during the day with rain and snow starting Saturday night through Tuesday of next week. Up to 10-inches of snow is possible.

Saturday night there is a chance of rain and snow showers before 10 pm, then snow showers. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly between 1am and 4am. Low around 28. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

On Easter Sunday snow showers are likely. Patchy blowing snow before 7 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night there is a 40-percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Snow showers are likely on Monday mainly after 11 am. Some thunder is also possible. It is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night there is a 20 percent chance of snow showers before 11 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 7 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 17 mph.

On Tuesday night there is a 20 percent chance of showers after 11 am. It is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. It will clear up Tuesday night and should remain so through Thursday.

On the NOAA Facebook page, they report, “It’s been over 20 years since we’ve had over 100″ of snow in back-to-back years here in Flagstaff. With 96″ on the books so far this Winter, we’re very likely to bust 100″ again with the storm coming this weekend and early next week. But, before the rain/snow comes the wind. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Friday, with even stronger winds expected on Saturday. Here’s some of the winds we’re expecting on Saturday. Not only will travel be difficult for high-profile vehicles, but blowing dust may be an issue across NE AZ.”

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy Under Investigation for Use of Force Incident

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FLAGSTAFF – On March 13, 2024 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of Silver Saddle Road in Doney Park for a report of trespass. Upon investigating the call, Deputies found probable cause to arrest three suspects for trespassing and other misdemeanor charges.

While one of the suspects was in handcuffs being escorted to a patrol vehicle a struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to briefly pull away from the arresting Deputy. The Deputy struck the handcuffed suspect two times in the face with their fist and control was re-established. The Sergeant on scene immediately intervened and the suspect was transported to the CCSO Detention Facility without further incident. The suspect in this case sustained minor injury during the altercation.

Due to the Deputy’s use of force on a handcuffed suspect, CCSO has requested the Flagstaff Police Department to conduct a criminal investigation into the actions of the Deputy. CCSO will simultaneously conduct an Administrative Investigation into the Deputy’s actions to determine if they were justified under CCSO Policies and Procedures. As per standard procedures, the Deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

CCSO holds the highest value on public trust and transparency. Every instance of force used by Deputies and Detention Officers is investigated thoroughly to ensure it coincides with state and federal law as well as the policies set forth by this department. When the investigation finds the Deputy or Detention Officer has violated either state or federal law or CCSO policies, they are held accountable in the justice system and according to CCSO Policies and Procedures.

This case remains under investigation.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant Awards FY 24

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Police Department is pleased to inform the public we received grant funding in fiscal year 2024 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to support saturation patrols for impaired drivers and for underage alcohol consumption violations. In addition, we received grant funding toward the purchase of software programs to assist the Flagstaff Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Team with scene documentation. This software will assist in providing to scale measurements and making precise scene overlays for accident scenes as well as photogrammetry software that will generate survey grade 2D maps and 3D models from ground or aerial images captured by our Skydio drones. These software programs will cut down on the time spent on scene and the time the City of Flagstaff roadways need to be closed for accident investigations.

For additional information, please contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414.

Navajo Mountain polling location moved

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FLAGSTAFF – In light of unforeseen circumstances, the Coconino County Elections Department announces the relocation of the Navajo Mountain polling location, Precinct 71, for the upcoming Presidential Preference Election scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th.

The new polling location will be the Navajo Mountain Alliance Community Church, conveniently situated on Navajo Route 16 south of Road 6414.

Please note that only registered Democratic or Republican voters are eligible to vote in this election. All polling places will be open from 6 am to 7 pm on election day. The Coconino County Elections Department reaffirms its commitment to facilitating a smooth and accessible voting process for all eligible voters.

To assist Coconino County voters in locating their designated polling places, they are urged to visit www.coconino.az.gov/elections.

For all other election inquiries contact the Coconino County Election Department, at 928-678-7896.

Elections Department Prepares for Arizona Presidential Preference Election

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FLAGSTAFF — Election officials are prepared for tomorrow’s Presidential Preference Election (PPE), with 29 polling places across Coconino County. In this year’s PPE, only registered Republicans and Democrats can participate.

While polling places are consolidated, voters can utilize any of the 12 vote centers throughout the County to cast their ballot on Election Day. Polling locations will be open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time. All voters in line at 7 p.m. will have the opportunity to vote. Voters can find their polling location and check voter registration online at My Arizona Vote.

With training completed, Coconino County is set to deploy nearly 300 bipartisan election board workers to provide assistance to voters on Election Day. These dedicated community members have undergone rigorous preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process.

“While we expect a moderate turnout, we strongly encourage voters to make a plan for voting on election day,” said Elections Director Eslir Musta.

This call underscores the county’s commitment to facilitating secure, accessible, and inclusive elections. The public can expect to see the first batch of election results in Coconino County shortly after 8:00 PM on the county’s website coconino.az.gov/elections.

For more information, voters can also contact the Elections Department hotline at 928-679-7896.